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City continues to invest in water supply  Share
The St. Francisville City Council took steps during their monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 10 to expand their water field. A sum of $90,000 will be used from city monies to cover the upgrades. While conducting the meeting in the absence of Mayor John Guite who was undergoing surgery, Alderman Francis ''Speed'' Moody announced that the new construction of the water plant was ''down to punch list items.'' Also, he said that the motor on Well #8 was in working condition. While the optimal output of water would be at 275 gallons a minute, Moody said that it was pumping 200 gallons a minute. While the pumps are ''doing what they're supposed to do,'' a suggestion to replace the pumps on Wells # 6 and 7, and upgrade Wells # 6, 7 and 8 with new transformers was put into motion. The estimated cost will be around $20,000, a cost included in the $90,000 deduction from the city coffers. Recent negotiations with the South Lawrence Water Corporation and the City of Sumner have warranted that the St. Francisville water field upgrades be put into motion as soon as possible. Sumner has requested a temporary hook-up that would produce 40-50 gallons a minute. ''There is a good possibility that's going to happen right away,'' Moody said. The Council amended a ''water users contract'' to allow the SLWC increased water usage for supplying to the city of Sumner.
When Sumner is online in the late Fall or early Spring, the new skid would be operable, producing 350 gallons per minute with 600 gpm easily achievable for the peak hours. Sumner will use about three million gallons per month. Moving on to business concerning the bridge, the Council discussed hiring additional workers to install bolts during the hours of 9 p.m. - 5 a.m., the week of June 22. The bridge will be closed during those hours for the maintenance work. The Council is also considering raising the toll rates of the bridge. The matter will be addressed at next month's meeting. St. Francisville Police Chief Billy Darnell warned that he would be cracking down and issuing tickets to violators of city ordinances. One such violation that has been the consistent complaint of homeowners is the operation of unlicensed ATV's in the city. Utility vehicles and golf carts can be inspected and licensed for city street operation. However, ATV's are not acceptable for driving in the city. Another violation that has recently been ignored is the legality of mobile homes being moved into the city. The incoming residents have been made aware of the age restrictions, Darnell said. In addition, there are several automobiles that are in violation of ordinances that require them to have a current license. ''I've been too nice, too long and to too many people,'' Darnell warned. Councilman Stan Williams commented, ''These are the things that make our community look worse than it is.'' Moody requested that a committee of council members, John Tussey and Carolyn Hoh, and Darnell, along with Barbara Tussey, grant writer for River Park improvements, develop a plan to make use of a $155,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that has been approved for the river front property. The Council instructed Darnell to pursue re-licensing the River Park Campground. Darnell said that the license was only contingent upon the addition of a medical kit on the grounds and postings with directions to the nearest hospital. In other business, the Council: - approved a resolution that would authorize Mayor Guite to sign all documents relating to a loan program application for the water supply needs. - approved the annual generator service agreement, costing $582.25. - approved water chemical testing for the coming year by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, costing $1,334.96. - heard citizen inquiry as to mowing for ownership of unkept properties and replacement of sidewalks in the city. Bio
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